Eric Cantor has decided not to serve out his term as the 7th district’s congressional representative, and will leave office [1] on August 18th:
Cantor said he has asked Gov. Terry McAuliffe to call a special election for his district that coincides with the general election on Nov. 4.
By having a special election in November, the winner would take office immediately, rather than in January with the next Congress.
“That way he will also have seniority, and that will help the interests of my constituents (because) he can be there in that consequential lame-duck session,” Cantor said.
UVA’s Larry Sabato call it a ‘generous gesture” (it will help a little bit with the office space lottery), but also notes that Cantor may have a new gig lined up, and wants to get to work as soon as possible.
Regardless of the motivation, folks won’t have Eric Cantor to kick around sooner than they thought.